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Swisher County Library

Submitted by bdc0032 on Thu, 02/02/2012 - 4:20pm

Introduction

Swisher County Library is located in Tulia, Texas, the county seat, at the junction of U.S. 87 and State Highway 86. Tulia has a population of 4,967. Settled in the 1890’s, Tulia became a focal point for freight on the route to the railheads in Amarillo and Colorado City. In the early 1900’s, the Santa Fe Railroad established a stop in Tulia. Situated on the High Plains of Texas, Tulia is an agribusiness and an oil industry center, and is home to world renowned businesses. “Tulia” is a Native American term thought to have originated from the type of reeds growing along Tule Creek.

Historical, Current, and Future Roles of the Library

Historically Swisher County Library has been a center for lifelong learning and access to information. Currently the library provides educational and recreational materials, information assistance, and local history and genealogy. It also provides public computers and Internet access. The library serves as a place for career and workforce development.

Future roles for the library include: a collection of current topics and titles; a gateway to information, and a community commons.

Existing Programs

The library offers a summer reading program for children and teens. RSVP, a county senior citizens’ volunteer program, assists the library with Books-to-Go outreach for homebound residents who are temporarily unable to come to library or who are in a nursing home.

Identified Needs

The community needs more jobs, economic developments and a public radio station. The library needs a free meeting space. Library programs are held in a small area in the library or in a rented area within the shared Memorial Building. The library survey results show that more programs on computer skills and those targeting children are needed.

Identified Assets

Identified community assets include affordable housing and convenient public transportation. These make Tulia attractive to retirees along with the many health services offered within the county at a convenient distance. Everyday business such as banking, post office, grocery and other shopping are within close range of residents.

Tulia is home to several businesses such as Roll-A-Cone, D/A Manufacturing, MiMama’s Tortillas, Keeter’s Meat Company, and Bowling Parts, Inc. The Tulia Independent School District is one of three school districts in Swisher County.

The library has a number of assets. It is located within the same building as the historical museum. The library works with the museum by using the library display case to showcase some of the museum’s artifacts along with the monthly library theme. The library receives consultation services, materials, equipment and training from Texas Panhandle Library System through Amarillo Public Library. The library is a member of the Harrington Library Consortium, a unique blend of public and academic libraries sharing automation to serve the residents of the Texas Panhandle.

Thank You Statement

Swisher County Library would like to thank the County Judge and Commissioners’ Court for their continued support in providing funding for library operations and staff. The library would like to thank the library board members for their dedicated service. The library appreciates the support and loyalty of its patrons. Swisher County Library would also like to thank Subway, Sonic, and Pizza Hut for the donations they make during Summer Reading programs. Finally, gratitude is extended to the Robert & Ruby Priddy Charitable Trust for the opportunity to participate in the Pearl Project.